What Size Portable Generator Does Your Home Need
When the power goes out, having a portable generator can be a huge relief. But picking the right size for your home isn’t just about how many lights you want to turn on. It’s about making sure the generator can handle your basic needs without stalling or overloading. Get it wrong, and you might end up frustrated, or worse, with damaged appliances. Understanding what size generator fits your home’s needs can help you stay comfortable and safe during an outage.
A lot of people find themselves guessing when it comes to generator size, but working with experienced installers of portable generators can take the confusion out of the process. Whether you want to power a few essentials or keep your whole home running, knowing what to look for will make your choice easier and give you peace of mind when the power isn’t guaranteed.
Understanding Your Power Needs
Before you choose a generator, you need to figure out what it actually has to power. Every appliance in your home needs a certain amount of electricity to start and continue running. That total is what will determine how much wattage your generator needs to supply.
Start with the basics. Think about what you can’t do without if the power goes out for a full day or longer. That usually includes the refrigerator, a few lights, maybe some medical equipment, and charging stations for phones or laptops. Add in air conditioning or heating, and the numbers jump pretty fast.
Here’s a list that gives a rough idea of typical power demands in most homes:
Refrigerator: around 600-800 watts (1,200+ at startup)
Lights: 60-600 watts depending on how many you're running
TV: about 150-400 watts
Laptop or phone charger: 50-100 watts each
Well pump or sump pump: around 1,000-1,500 watts (can spike higher when starting)
Electric heater or small AC: 1,000-2,000 watts
Also, keep in mind the difference between running wattage and starting wattage. Some appliances, like refrigerators or pumps, need extra power to kick on. That startup load can mean the difference between a generator that works smoothly and one that shuts down or trips a breaker.
Here’s a simple example. If your fridge needs 1,500 watts to start but only 800 watts to run, and your lights and devices total another 600 watts, you're looking at around 2,100 watts minimum. But to safely cover spikes and avoid overloading, you'd likely want something rated for at least 3,500 to provide some breathing room.
Getting an accurate total can feel like doing a math puzzle, which is why certified installers often run a full load calculation before recommending a generator. They make sure nothing’s left out and all the power needs are covered.
Types Of Portable Generators
With your total power needs in mind, the next step is understanding what generator options are out there. Portable generators come in a range of sizes, from small, basic models that power just a few things to larger, more powerful units that can run multiple appliances at once.
Small portable generators usually handle between 1,000 to 3,000 watts. These are great for quick use or powering a few essentials. Think about using one at a campsite or running a couple of items during a short outage.
Medium units in the 3,000 to 6,500-watt range can cover most or all of your basics. You can keep the refrigerator going, power lights in several rooms, and maybe run a window AC or heater. These are often the best fit for most homes during outages.
Larger portable generators handle more than 6,500 watts and can provide backup power for homes with more intensive needs. These can support high-powered tools, multiple appliances, and bigger loads like central AC systems or electric water heaters.
Each size has its pros and cons:
Small: lightweight, easy to store, but limited use
Medium: balanced power and mobility, good for most homes
Large: more coverage, but heavier, louder, and often needs wheels or a cart
Pick one that gives you a little wiggle room rather than just covering your minimum, especially if your needs aren’t the same from season to season. If you’re in an area where cold or hot weather puts extra demand on your system, having extra wattage can keep things running smoothly instead of bumping up against the limit every time you plug something in.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Generator
When you're figuring out the right generator for your home, size isn’t the only thing to think about. How the generator runs, where you plan to use it, and even the sound it makes can all play a part in the decision.
Start with the fuel type. Most portable generators run on gasoline, but there are also models that use propane or a dual-fuel mix. Gas tends to be easier to find during a short-term outage, while propane stores for longer and often burns cleaner. Dual-fuel generators give you flexibility, which can come in handy if one fuel source becomes hard to get.
Next, think about how mobile you need it to be. Some units are compact and light enough for one person to carry. Others are bulky and need a heavy-duty frame with wheels. If you're someone who’ll need to move the unit around a lot or store it in a tight spot, don’t overlook the weight and design.
Then comes noise. Any generator is going to make some sound, but the volume can vary a lot between models. If you live close to neighbors or plan to run it at night, lower decibel levels are worth looking into. Louder generators may still get the job done, but they can make everyday use less pleasant.
Here’s a quick breakdown of these decisions:
Choose your fuel: gas for ease, propane for cleaner fuel, or dual-fuel for more options
Pick the right size and weight: easier to move if it’s lighter and has wheels
Check the noise rating: quiet models are better for nighttime or close quarters
Think about run time: longer is better if you want fewer refills
Balancing these factors with your power needs will help you choose something that fits your lifestyle, not just your electrical load. The right generator should work for you when things go dark but also be practical enough to use and store year-round.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Even the best generator won’t keep your lights on safely if it’s not installed right. Plugging a few things in with extension cords might cover short needs, but for steady, reliable power, you want it connected correctly by someone who knows what they’re doing.
One of the biggest problems with poor installation is risk to your appliances, your wiring, and your own safety. A generator that’s hooked up wrong can backfeed electricity into the grid, which can be dangerous to utility workers. It can also damage electronics in your home or leave you without power when you need it most.
Working with a licensed installer means they know how to set up transfer switches, pick the right cables, and ground everything properly. That makes a big difference for reliability and long-term use. You don’t have to worry about whether you’re using it the right way or if you’ve unknowingly skipped a step.
Here’s what a professional installation usually includes:
Full inspection of your home’s electrical load and setup
Safe placement of the generator away from windows and vents
Proper wiring and connection to your home’s panel or circuits
Installation of a transfer switch, so no dangerous backfeeding happens
Clear walkthrough on how to use the unit in different situations
These steps help the generator work like an extension of your home instead of a one-off fix that might or might not hold up during bad weather. It's not just about flipping a switch. It’s about trusting that everything is safe, stable, and ready when needed.
Safeguard Your Home With The Right Generator
Picking the right generator starts with knowing how much power your home really needs. Once you've got a sense of what needs to stay running during an outage, comparing different types of portable generators becomes a lot easier. You’ll see which size fits your needs and how much room you have for flexibility. From there, narrowing down models based on noise, fuel type, and storage helps you make a smart, lasting choice.
Getting everything connected the right way takes a layer of pressure off the whole experience. A professionally installed generator doesn’t just power your house, it protects it. You’ll be ready for storms, blackouts, or whatever life throws your way, with confidence that everything’s set up to work the way it should.
Buying the generator is just one part of the process. Making sure it's installed safely and matched to your home is what turns it from a tool to a dependable backup system. That peace of mind is what really matters when the lights go out.
Whether you need help choosing the right generator or ensuring it's installed safely, our team of installers of portable generators is here to help. At Horizon Electric, we're committed to making sure your home stays comfortable and secure, even during power outages. Reach out to us, and let's keep your home ready for whatever comes next.